Florida lawmakers have advanced HB7033, a tax-focused proposal that could alter how counties use tourist development revenue. According to one detailed account, this measure would give counties more flexibility starting July 1, 2025, to reallocate funds that have historically gone to tourism marketing toward debt service or other infrastructure projects. Property tax offsets would begin in 2026, and the bill specifies the dissolution of tourist development councils by Dec. 31, 2025.
The same source indicates new protections for recreational vehicle parks under the bill. “Local governments would not be able to levy non-ad valorem special assessments against any portion of a RV parking space or campsite beyond the maximum square footage of an RV unit,” it notes, adding that occupancy rates must be considered to ensure fair assessment among RV parks.
With Florida boasting more than 1,260 RV parks and 200,000-plus camping and RV sites, some owners believe these changes could provide more equitable fee structures. Industry observers point out that the legislation focuses on shifting how funds may be spent rather than explicitly mentioning expansions of public parks. The measure does not contain direct language preventing future campground or forestland initiatives.
Some unofficial Disney fan publications have discussed possible changes to occupancy limits at Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. One such website, DisneyFanatic, reported that, starting Jan. 1, 2026, the maximum number of guests allowed per campsite could be lowered from 10 to 8. These sites are not official Disney releases, and individuals may wish to verify details with Disney itself.
Another unofficial outlet, Blog Mickey, states, “Starting with arrivals on January 1, 2026, Walt Disney World will be reducing the number of guests allowed per campsite…” The announcement suggests larger traveling parties may need multiple campsites. No widely circulated company statement confirms these details.
Some analysts argue there is no confirmed link between HB7033’s tax reforms and the rumored policy changes at Fort Wilderness. Industry commentators suggest Disney’s decisions are typically influenced by occupancy considerations and guest satisfaction levels. No on-record statement has declared a direct tie between the bill and Fort Wilderness’s new capacity measures.
Industry professionals expect some campground and resort operators to adopt diverse revenue strategies if local governments choose to redirect tourist development funds away from promotion. These strategies could involve add-on services, ticketed events, or guided experiences, ensuring day-to-day operations remain profitable if public dollars shift to debt service or infrastructure projects.
According to a piece by NumberAnalytics, digital check-in features and other automated processes can appeal to travelers seeking efficient arrivals. Such practices could help large properties handle adjustments to occupancy rules, whether or not those limitations are officially declared.
A separate post by Scalence explains that modern cloud-based booking tools have the potential to boost occupancy by streamlining reservations, particularly if operators anticipate new or stricter capacity thresholds. This level of software integration could also reduce overbooking risks.
Some enterprises may bundle multiple campsites into unified packages for bigger groups, ensuring they can still accommodate extended families or larger travel parties. By distributing guests across multiple sites, owners might maintain consistent service while meeting revised occupancy guidelines, should those become more common in the RV and campground industry.
Periodic assessment of occupancy patterns and profit margins can help businesses remain adaptive, regardless of how tourism authorities eventually apply the new freedom offered in HB7033. By observing consumer preferences and exploring which amenities receive the most frequent usage, operators can refine their investments and maintain financial stability.
One recognized travel association has reported that adding premium Wi-Fi, guided tours, or other tiered services can generate a notable revenue increase of around 15%, suggesting that campground owners who diversify offerings could offset any potential dips in tourist marketing allocations. If local parks decide to use development funds on infrastructure rather than promotions, owners capable of providing value-added experiences may see relatively stable demand.
A widely referenced hospitality research group found that adopting automated booking and check-in protocols can cut labor needs by up to 25% while improving guest satisfaction scores by nearly 10%. Campground operators implementing such tools may be better positioned to adapt to possible changes in site occupancy limits, ensuring smooth arrivals, minimizing overbooking, and maintaining strong visitor experiences even if local tax structures shift.
Although many parks and resorts now watch for any final adjustments to this measure, there is no wording in HB7033 that expressly forbids public park expansions or private development. Instead, the plan focuses on giving local officials broader authority on tax spending. If counties choose to scale back marketing budgets, property owners who emphasize robust service offerings and efficient digital operations could continue to thrive amid shifting tourism conditions.